Newsflash: You won't always be on first year pay. And you won't always be on reserve in ORD.

That said, some CFIs might have the golden handcuffs called student loans. In any case, except in certain circumstances (independent CFI with a good book of business) your 5 year earnings at a regional will be much better than as a CFI with more time off, travel, etc.

Added to that: not many airlines beyond the regionals hiring CFIs. Bottom line: think about your career as a whole, not your next paycheck.